SAINT-POURÇAIN WINE-GROWING AREA
The Saint-Pourçain vineyards are thought to be even older than those planted by the Romans ! Saint Louis had the wine served at his royal table after hearing of its flattering reputation.
The Allier has an excellent wine, Saint-Pourçain, and one type of grape, Tressallier !
The Saint-Pourçain vineyards are thought to be even older than those planted by the Romans ! Saint Louis had the wine served at his royal table after hearing of its flattering reputation. The Popes of Avignon did not want to be left out : in spite of enormous transport costs they used to take delivery of between 60 and 120 hectolitres every year. At the end of the 18th century the vines covered 8,000 hectares but from the beginning of the 19th century onwards, cereal and fodder crops and the ravages of phylloxera greatly reduced the wine-growing area.
Today, 19 villages on either side of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule covering 650 hectares at the heart of the Bourbonnais, produce white, rosé and mostly red wines. The area received AOC (PDO) classification in May 2009. 85 wine-growers belong to the ""Union des Vignerons de Saint-Pourçain"" and account for two-thirds of the total production. The rest is produced by 19 independent producers.
Saint-Pourçain, mentioned in the ‘Battle of Wines’
The famous 13th century poet, Henri d'Andelys, imagined a « Battle of Wines » which took place at the table of King Philippe-Auguste, who was very well-known for his attachment to the beverage. The story goes that the king sent messengers to find the best white wines in France for a “monumental” tasting session. The poet lists the greatest French wines and Saint-Pourçain is quoted after those of Beaune and Saint-Emilion...
Red, white and rosé
Saint-Pourçain wines are light and fruity and come from one of the oldest wine-growing areas in France ! Served at the table of the Kings of France, they were transported by ‘gabarre’ (river boat) along the nearby Allier to the Canal de Briare and then to Paris.
Taste « La Ficelle » : Legend states that an innkeeper from Saint-Pourçain named Gaultier, exasperated by his customers cheating him, decided to systematically place a piece of knotted string in the jugs to indicate half-pint or full-pints and thus measure their consumption.
Musée de la vigne et du terroir (Museum of Wine and local produce)
This museum is housed in the Bailiff’s House, a tribute to the glorious past of the monastery of Saint-Pourçain. The building has a magnificent spiral staircase in the belfry, a listed monument. The different collections and documents displayed in the 11 rooms enable visitors to enter the world of Saint-Pourçain wine and understand the winegrowers’ way of life, their work and way of thinking.
The exhibition features tools used to work in the vines, harvesting tools, wine-making equipment, tools used in wine-related crafts, a wine-grower’s home and everyday life, agricultural activities and local costumes. The last room is devoted to the history of the town.
Le Festival Viticole et Gourmand du Saint-Pourçain (Wine and Food Festival)
The Wine and Food Festival in August was created to give a new dimension to the traditional Fête des Vins. For 10 days, numerous events are held in the 27 villages of the Pays Saint-Pourcinois, to the delight of local inhabitants and tourists.
The programme includes : markets, walks, horse rides and cycle rides, a fete, trip around the vines in a horse and carriage, a buffet meal, village and heritage discovery tours, concerts, a parade of floats decorated with flowers, tasting sessions and a stamp exhibition. In addition, throughout the festival : Saint-Pourçain wine-cellars in festive mood, « Pass Touristique » available from the Office de Tourisme, « Pass Gourmand », special festival menus in local restaurants, funfair, visits to churches belonging to the « Arc en Ciel » circuit and a treasure hunt for children accompanied by their parents."
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
Le Pigeonnier du Mas de Bessat
in ST-POURCAIN-SUR-SIOULE - Allier
Lodging
Au pied des vignes
in ST POURCAIN SUR SIOULE - Allier
